SIX swimming friends have taken the first strokes of their bid to swim the English Channel's distance at a Lake District indoor pool.
The pals, who are members of Choices Health Club at Troutbeck Bridge, have signed up to the Aspire Channel Swim 2016, to raise money for people paralysed by spinal cord injury.
The 22-mile challenge began on September 12. Swimmers taking part have until December 5 to complete the distance - equal to 1416 lengths of a 25-metre pool.
The Troutbeck Bridge team is made up of Anthony Dean, Josie Rushton, Natalie Wood, Alison Williams, Michelle Hazelwood and Sue Allen. Anthony told the Gazette they kicked off the event with a half-mile swim, and they plan to visit the pool as and when they can to build up the miles. For the final 20 lengths they will all swim together, and they hope to raise £1000. Sponsorship forms are at Choices Health Club, Troutbeck Bridge, or visit www.justgiving.com/teams/choicesgymswimteam
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